Printed paper can be encapsulated in a hard-wearing resin to produce a durable and high – quality result. The printing can include photographs, and if an ultraviolet filter is inserted the problems of colour fading in sunlight can be reduced. These resin laminates, when bonded onto a plywood or fibreglass base, are resistant to scratches […]
Category: Design for Outdoor Recreation
Composite wood panels
Plywood is the usual type of composite wood panel that is used. Marine-quality ply is durable, less prone to warping than ordinary plywood, and does not shrink or split. It can be used as a base for laminate application (see below). Marine ply is often made from tropical hardwood, which might be an unsustainable source […]
The medium
To convey the message, a medium is required. There are two main possibilities: leaflets or signboards. Leaflets are an important alternative or supplement to fixed signs. They can be reprinted annually with up-to-date information. As they are carried around by the visitors, they can be easily referred to at any time. Their preparation requires skill […]
The message
There are some basic features of any message: it should be short, to the point, and should use as many symbols, pictures, maps and diagrams as possible instead of words. A map or maps showing the area being visited, the immediate site and any other smaller areas within the main area, such as a trail […]
Providing visitor information
At the point of arrival, some information is normally needed so that visitors can make the most of opportunities to enjoy their visit. This may be in the form of a leaflet picked up from a dispenser at or near the entrance or pay station, or in the form of boards or panels in a […]
The arrival
The culmination of the journey—the arrival at the main destination—is now at hand. After all the careful development of the landscape and provision of information along the way, the first experience on arrival must live up to its promise. How this is handled depends on what is there. If it is a natural wonder such […]
The wind-down
After having driven, often for long distances and perhaps in heavy traffic and stressful conditions, it takes a little time to adjust to the ambience of the outdoors. The adjustment can be aided by a stretch of road between the entrance and the first stopping point, such as a car park or scenic turnout, which […]
The entrance
The point where the visitor turns off the public highway, or emerges from a coach, railway station or other form of transport, into the specific area where the visit takes place is important for several reasons: – The visitor is likely to be on land under your management from now on. He or she is […]
Threshold signs
If the opportunity to manage the landscape begins at this threshold, or if influence can be exerted, then it may be a good idea to identify this in an appropriate way. This can be by using an obvious sign, such as is common in national parks, Forestry Commission forests and other designated landscapes. The signs […]
On the road
The next stage of the visit is travelling to the destination. Most people travel to the outdoors by car. In many places the distances involved and the lack of alternative transport methods make this unavoidable. In some cases float planes or boats are used. There are also places where access on foot, by bicycle, horseback […]